IHS IB Notes
September 2022
Our new year is well underway...
Every school year is a new adventure, but this one feels a little more familiar than the last couple have been. We can embrace the changes we've found to be positive such as greater tech access and some new modes of delivery. At the same time, we know students (and staff) still feel the effects of the disruptions from COVID and other events, and we'll continue to offer extra supports for anyone in need. Please feel free to stop by and see me in A107 or reach out via email and Remind. I can offer a quiet spot during lunch, tutoring, feedback/advice about plans and goals, supplies and more.
There will be more information to come, but this newsletter makes a good dent in the virtual pile on my computer. If there is something you'd like to hear more about, please ask. You can access past newsletters on our website.
Proud Alumni
IB Diplomas and Certificates typically arrive at the end of August, long after graduation and even after some students have moved to their university campuses. We distributed these well-earned documents on the evening of September 7. About 40 of the graduates were able to come in person, and others were represented by a family member. If you'd like to see what our 2022 IB Alumni planned for their next steps, please see this newsletter from July.
Sacramento Speakers Series
I've been waiting for this event to resume in person, and I hope some students will be excited about it, too! The series happens annually, and tickets are sold only for the entire series at a cost of $300-540/person. Even at that price, they generally sell out the Performing Arts Center downtown because such fantastic speakers are invited. There's a program giving students a chance to participate at no cost. Even better, the students get a chance to hear from the speaker in a smaller environment before the main talk. If there is sufficient interest, I will be happy to transport students. Typically we are allotted 9 student seats per speaker, and sometimes there's a chance to buy more (adult) tickets at a discount. This season begins with Neil DeGrasse Tyson! Check out the full list of speakers and sign up for any that interest you. I will follow up with those who do the form closer to each date.
Student Recognition
The College Board (SAT & AP people) let me know that some Inderkum students were recognized for their academic achievements in school and outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and/or AP® Exams. One student is in CECA and the others began as Scholars, now taking IB Diploma Programme courses. Congratulations!
- Adiyah Obolu: NAARA
- Alistair MacDonald: NHRA
- Danil Furman: NHRA
- Mariana Wong Fong: NHRA
- Markus Jones: NAARA, NHRA
- Olivia Carrillo: NHRA
- Sienna Keigwin: NAARA
- Tobias Espinoza: NHRA
- Yeshua Contto: NHRA
NAARA: National African American Recognition Award, NHRA: National Hispanic Recognition Award
Our Broadcast Media teacher Melissa May shared that several level 2 students were recognized for their work in the KQED/PBS Call for Change student media showcase. Students at that level are building on the skills they've learned during the IB MYP. The showcase challenged them to create a video focused on an issue they are passionate about. They had to do research, explain the concern and propose a solution. I was especially impressed by the video submitted by IB Certificate candidate Casey Muñoz, and you can watch it, too.
Ways to Get Help and to Help Others
Tutoring
Everyone needs help sometimes! Students, please check in with your teachers first since they're the ones most familiar with course expectations. National Honor Society peer tutoring has resumed. Students can stop by G210 from 3:30-4:15 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays to get help in any subject. They'll find that most of the tutors are students taking IB Diploma Programme classes. If you're unable to make it during those times or want a more personalized experience, let me know. I can meet with you myself or help connect you to an available student tutor.
If you're interested in being a tutor, for service hours or pay, please fill out this form.
Other Supports
We are fortunate to have lots of helpers on campus. Any students in need of socio-emotional support just need to ask! Talk to your counselor, a teacher, or me. We all want to assist you and also can make referrals to other counselors and social workers on campus. You can reach out on behalf of a friend in need, too.
On a related note, one of our social workers, Atheena Cabiness, has shared information about a new Ken Burns film, Hiding in Plain Sight, addressing the child and youth mental health crisis. On Thursday (9/22) at 5:30pm is a screening and panel discussion at the Sofia Theater in Sacramento. Students, caregivers and professionals are encouraged to come. Click to RSVP or to watch the trailer.
Service Opportunities
To review, we ask that all Scholars do at least 20 hours of service learning over 9th and 10th grade combined. Freshmen are hearing about this and discussing ways to align their service during English class. There is no specific request for service during 11th grade unless students are participating in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) which is mandatory for those pursuing an IB Diploma and optional for others. In 12th, anyone not doing CAS will do the Senior Project.
I'll send out information when I hear about service opportunities, and I encourage you to let me know if you are aware of organizations and events needing help. Many Inderkum students are active participants in YAC, with some eventually earning leadership and paid positions.
Planning for Your Future
Super Important for Seniors
It's almost time for the FAFSA to open. This is the application required for most financial aid, and even if you don't think you'll qualify for something, you should do it. The first time can seem a little overwhelming for families. So why not do it with someone there to guide you? Cash For College is on Wednesday, October 5th. Seniors and parents/guardians should participate (in person at Natomas HS or via zoom). Watch for announcements on the Class of '23 Remind for more details.
- Before the event you and one of your parents must create an FSA ID, click on link to create the FSA IDs and click on create account. If you and/or your parents do not have a social security number you will not need to create an FSA ID.
- Your Social Security Number (if it applicable)
- Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
- Your federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. (Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.)
- Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
- Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
CSU Night
Anyone thinking about going to one of the California State Universities can attend the CSU College Night at Sac State this Thursday, September 22, from 5:30-7:30. It's a free event, with a chance to meet with representatives from all 23 CSU campuses in one location. It will in the University Union, Redwood Room. Registration is recommended. Complimentary parking in Parking Structure 3.
Interested in Business?
Davis Women in Business has a Fall '22 High School Outreach Program. Their goal is to provide high school students with knowledge and skills on how to succeed in both college and the professional world. Beyond learning valuable skills, they want to inspire the younger generation to go out and become the leaders of tomorrow. Students will have the opportunity to hear from the organization's members and alumni as well as the personal experiences of current college students. Click on the picture to enlarge it and get the registration link. Or email for more info.
Scholarships
There are LOTS of scholarship opportunities, and you can't earn them if you don't apply. Ms. Ana has many resources for you in the College and Career Center in A106. Juniors doing the PSAT and seniors working on their college lists can be earning entries in the Big Futures Scholarship program. A couple other opportunities are below. Even if you're not a senior yet, you can do some research...
Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander students should check out these scholarship applications.
Those with Hispanic heritage (includes Spain, Brazil, Philippines) should check out the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Awards.
Real Talk
Real Talk events were created to provide Black students and their families with the tools they need to start planning for their future. These are virtual events, and the first ones for fall will focus on HBCUs. Check their site for more information and to register.
Staying Connected
Please be sure to join the appropriate Scholars/DP Remind group if you haven't already. If you join by text, you should get messages by text, but you can adjust your notification settings if you have an account (go to remind.com or download the app). When I send out important group emails, I generally also send a Remind in case you don't check email often. If you reply to a Remind, I'm the only one who sees your response. You can save the phone number in your contacts, but the numbers shown on a Remind are anyone's actual phone numbers to keep some privacy. Students, please remember that I use your personal emails for group emails because not everything will go through to school accounts. It's fine for you to contact me through your nusdk12 accounts, too.
I recommend that all of you (students and adults) join the schoolwide grade Reminds, too. You'll find out about events such as dress-up days and homecoming. Also, this is the account that our College and Career Counselor Ms. Ana uses to send info about college presentations, special programs, financial aid, and more. Those codes are @ihs2023, @ihs24, @ihs25, @2026ihs.